If Maui is the Valley Isle, then Kihei is its laid-back, sun-drenched candy spot—just like the buddy who all the time has snacks, sunscreen, and a spontaneous snorkel plan. Tucked alongside the island’s southwestern shore, this seashore city is all golden hours and good instances, with simply sufficient native taste to maintain it actual. Whether or not you’re snorkeling with sea turtles, chasing the proper sundown, or savoring shaved ice between surf classes, Kīhei makes household enjoyable really feel easy. From calm seashores to out of doors adventures, listed here are the highest issues to do in Kihei Maui for households wanting to absorb the aloha.
Tropical Kamaole Seaside, Maui, Hawaii (Shutterstock)
Kihei – The Low-Down
Kihei is on the southwestern coast of Maui, in an space referred to as South Maui. It’s nearly 25 minutes from the airport (Kahului) and tremendous near Wailea, a extra upscale resort space. The city has a tremendous chill, native vibe that’s not practically as resorty as Ka‘anapali or Wailea. It’s low-key surfer —informal and laid-back the place locals and guests combine over surf classes, plate lunches, and farmer’s markets. It’s an ideal base for actions like Molokini Crater snorkeling or highway journeys to Upcountry.
Kihei is among the driest and sunniest locations on Maui, with round 276 sunny days per 12 months. Assume: flip-flops, seashore towels, and selfies each day. There’s a bunch of meals vans, small cafés, and informal procuring areas like Kalama Village.
What It’s Identified For:
Six miles of seashores, together with the favored Kamaole Seaside Parks I, II, and III
Snorkeling, boogie boarding, newbie browsing, and unreal sunsets. Sea turtles are sometimes seen round rocky spots like Makena Touchdown or Kamaole III. The ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve, a lava-rock coast, can be nice for underwater explorations.
Funds-friendly condos, native eateries, and meals vans galore
Fast entry to Molokini Crater excursions and Upcountry Maui highway journeys
Whale watching is big in winter (December –April), when humpback whales come to breed within the heat Maui waters.
Kihei Maui Hawaii shoreline (Shutterstock)
Finest Seashores in Kihei
Kihei is famend for its gorgeous seashores, every providing a singular expertise for guests:
Kamaole Seaside III
Kamaole Seaside III is a family-friendly gem excellent for teenagers and youths alike. The seashore options flat, shallow waters supreme for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. With its calm waters and fewer crowded environment, it’s an ideal place to calm down and take in the solar. The close by park provides picnic tables, restrooms, and showers, making it handy for a full day of enjoyable. Whether or not you’re constructing sandcastles or exploring tide swimming pools, Kamaole Seaside III is a must-visit for households.
Kamaole Seaside II
Kamaole Seaside II is one other in style spot in Kihei, identified for its smooth white sand and crystal-clear waters. This seashore is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The constant waves make it an ideal spot for surfers of all ranges. The close by park offers picnic tables, restrooms, and showers, guaranteeing a snug seashore day.
Wailea Seaside
Positioned within the coronary heart of South Maui’s luxurious resort space, Wailea Seaside is a picturesque paradise. Identified for its smooth white sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s excellent for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Surrounded by upscale properties and golf programs, Wailea Seaside provides gorgeous views of the ocean and the plush panorama.
Aerial view at Kamaole Sand Seaside III, Kihei, Maui, Hawaii (Shutterstock)
The High 10 Issues To Do in Kihei Maui
1. Be taught to Surf or Paddleboard
Cove Park or Kalama Seaside are excellent for novices, and native surf faculties like Aloha Ocean Adventures supply classes.
2. Snorkel at Molokini Crater
Crystal-clear water, tons of colourful fish, and perhaps even a sea turtle or two. It’s like swimming in an aquarium. One other great place for snorkeling is Turtle City close to Maluaka Seaside, identified for its calm waters and frequent turtle sightings, making it excellent for households and novices. Tip: Morning excursions are finest for calm waters.
3. Go Whale Watching
Seeing a humpback breach proper in entrance of you is unforgettable. Many excursions depart from Maʻalaea Harbor, simply north of Kihei.
4. Hold Out at Kalama Park
Kalama Park has nice amenities for teenagers and households There’s a skate park, seashore volleyball courts, basketball, and massive open areas to sit back and people-watch.
5. Sundown Picnic at Kamaole Seaside Park III
It’s top-of-the-line sunsets spots in Maui with tide swimming pools to discover and a garden for frisbee.
6. Get Shave Ice & Boba at Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice is the native go-to for candy treats and island flavors like lilikoi and mango.
7. Take a Zodiac Raft Journey
Quick, splashy boats make snorkeling far more thrilling. Some excursions additionally discover sea caves and lava arches.
8. Seaside Hop on an E-Bike
Hit up all of the Kamaole seashores, cease for snacks, and really feel the breeze whereas cruising the Kihei shoreline. Anybody 15 years and older could lease an e-bike. Helmets are required for anybody beneath the age of 16. E-bikes are allowed all over the place, together with bike paths.
9. Do a Sundown Luau
Expertise fireplace dancing, drums, and a buffet dinner that’s cultural and funky on the identical time at Te Au Moana Luau (Wailea space).
10 Attempt Parasailing or Jet Snowboarding (Seasonal)
It’s a complete thrill, plus killer views of the island and the ocean from method up within the air or flying throughout the water.
Hidden Gems in Kihei (Insider Picks)
Secret Turtle Spot – Makena Touchdown (Turtle City)
For a peaceable vibe that’s much less crowded than touristy spots, an early morning snorkel at Makena Seaside usually means swimming with sea turtles (simply maintain your distance and don’t contact!).
Learn right here concerning the newest laws regarding sea turtles and maintain a distance of a minimum of 10 ft.
Keawakapu Seaside
This lengthy, much less crowded seashore is nice for bodysurfing, seashore video games, or simply chilling with a speaker and sundown views.
Star Gazing at Sugar Seaside
Tremendous quiet at evening, it’s excellent for laying within the sand and watching the celebrities or catching a meteor bathe.
Climb the Lava Rock Tide Swimming pools (at Kamaole Seaside III)
Put on reef-safe water sneakers to discover small lava rock formations with little crabs, fish, and tiny swimming pools.
Household-Permitted Meals Spots in Kihei
- Stewz Burgers – Native burgers with names like “The Large Kahuna” and contemporary island toppings, they’re within the Kukui Mall in Kihei.
- Pizza Madness Maui – A chill vibe with enormous slices, and strong costs for large appetites. And sure, they ship.
- Coconuts Fish Cafe – Identified for epic fish tacos (just like the two-hands-required variety), contemporary seafood, and an informal surfy environment.
- Paia Fish Market – Gives scrumptious fish tacos and is in style for its nice costs and family-friendly setting.
- Maui Gelato and Waffles – Flavors like lilikoi cheesecake and mango sorbet—plus acai bowls and waffles.
Bonus: Wet Day Issues to do in Kihei Maui
- Play at Maui Arcade & Bowling – Basic bowling, pool tables, arcade video games, and snacks. Good for a squad hangout in Wailuku which is about 30 minutes from Kihei.
- Catch a Film at Regency Kihei Cinemas – Why not see a film on their 4 huge screens?
- Browse the Retailers at Kihei Kalama Village – A covered procuring space with cool surf outlets, souvenirs, jewellery, and native artwork. It’s areat place to choose up distinctive finds.
- Foodie Crawl – Make it a mission to hit up 3–Four small cafes or meals vans. Attempt totally different snacks and drinks at every (shave ice, poke bowls, malasadas, smoothies, and so forth.).
- Chill at Kihei Public Library – A surprisingly cool spot with Hawaiian historical past books, free Wi-Fi, and ocean views, it’s a great place to reset or journal.